Tofu Pudding Recipe: 3 Tips for Making Tofu Pudding

Tofu pudding is a dairy-free dessert consisting of a sweetened soy milk mixture that chefs thicken with a coagulant, like gelatin, until it reaches a smooth, spoonable texture. Also known as douhua (in Mandarin), tau fu fa (in Cantonese), doufuhua, and soybean pudding, tofu pudding can be sweet or savory. You can use various thickeners, such as gypsum powder and agar-agar, to make the classic dessert.

This recipe calls for uncurdled soft tofu thickened with gelatin and topped with a sweet ginger syrup.

Tofu is a versatile base for plenty of flavors, and its silken texture highlights any flavor profiles. Here are some common variations on tofu pudding:

1. 1. Sweet tofu pudding: Chefs sweeten this type of tofu pudding with rock sugar, ginger, honey, or agave and top it with sugar syrup or a sweet red bean mixture. One of the most traditional preparations of this gluten-free dessert is Dau Hu Nuoc Duong, or tofu pudding with ginger syrup.
2. 2. Savory tofu pudding: Savory tofu pudding—also referred to as Dou Fu Nao (or “tofu brain”)—is more common than its sugary counterpart in Northern China. Chefs frequently serve this preparation of tofu pudding with savory gravy and toppings like pickles, chili oil, and soy sauce.
3. 3. Vanilla tofu pudding: You can make a rich, dairy-free vanilla pudding-inspired tofu dish by adding pure vanilla extract to the tofu base.
4. 4. Chocolate tofu pudding: Whisk cocoa powder into your pudding mixture to make a creamy, dairy-free chocolate pudding. Top the chocolate tofu pudding with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or melted chocolate.
5. 5. Blended tofu pudding: Add firm tofu and flavoring agents to a food processor or blender and purée the tofu on high until it reaches a smooth, pudding-like consistency. This pudding does not require additional time for setting.

Whether you’re a pudding pro or making this creamy dish for the first time, follow these tips to create the tastiest tofu pudding possible:

1. 1. Opt for homemade soy milk. Rich, homemade soy milk is thicker than store-bought options, and using the richer version makes all the difference in your final dish. Comparatively, homemade soy milk has a richer soy flavor and thicker texture than processed soy milk, so your pudding will require less gelatin to reach the ideal consistency.
2. 2. Strain the pudding for the smoothest texture. Although straining your pudding isn’t a requirement for this recipe, it can make a difference in the texture. Pushing your pudding mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate any lumps before setting will result in the smoothest, silkiest pudding possible.
3. 3. Experiment with different toppings. Neutral tofu is the perfect base to experiment with an array of flavorings and toppings. Garnish the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle on chopped nuts or coconut flakes for creaminess and crunch. Top tofu pudding with fresh fruit, like tart berries or creamy mango, or add different types of sweet syrups, like maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or strawberry syrup.